re: [Paddlewise] disaster in the making

Just finished reading through www.kayakathon.com. The dream of kayaking
through Alaskan waters sounds wonderful -- gorgeous scenery, pristine waters,
wildlife, adventure, ..... The reality may not be so wonderful.

This is scary. The organizer may not know what will be involved. It worries me
to think that the popularity of Reality TV may lead to this event actually
happening. Interested participants need to do their homework.

I haven't seen much of the 'course' myself. Some kayaking. Watching scenery
during multiple floatplane trips. Watching huge waves crash over the bows of
the state ferries. (These were the protected, Inside, waters too.) Pictures
and videos. Listened to friends who fished the waters all along the coast
and/or were involved in Search and Rescue situations.

Concerns: Has he seen the Outside waters, or, better yet, been in them in his
new cruiser or a kayak? Has he actually scouted anything from the water? Easy
beach landings may be few and far between for much of this 'course', with a
lot of nasty surf landings to shake up kayakers and shred kayaks. Finding
enough room for multiple tents could be interesting in many of these places
too. How will he monitor several kayaks from one motorboat? Is the organizer
using more than the Gazetteer to plan this trip? Hope he has real nautical
charts and (multiple) tide charts too. There are many athletes who can do the
long miles he has scheduled, but I worry that he is under-guesstimating at
times. The miles can really add up if you have the current or tide against
you, or the wind in your face.

There are towns and villages listed, with a note that participants can
replenish supplies in them. Maybe. Many of the village stores sell only the
basics, not the items that weight- and space-conscious kayakers will be
looking for. The prices are much higher as well. (That is assuming there is
even a store in town!) Few will cater to kayaker needs. Some good looking
areas for camping near the towns will be private property or otherwise
off-limits to campers. Campgrounds may not be easy to get to, if they even
exist.

Clam digging is part of the competition. Hope they don't plan to eat them.
Summer is 'red tide' time, with PSP a constant threat. (Paralytic Shellfish
Poisoning)

Berries may be available, but bears could also be picking them. Adds a bit of
excitement for the cameras, right?

The start of the rainy season may coincide with the race. How bad does the
weather have to be to keep them on shore?

Our son declared that all participants should be nominated for Darwin Award
Honorable Mentions -- in advance! My fear is that someone may even 'earn' a
real Darwin.

Coming out of Lurker mode again. Sorry to run on so long.

Gladys Carter (Bob's part-time kayak partner) in Southeast Alaska
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